Drivers Beware: Cops now go undercover to catch distracted drivers in Washington State

The person standing on the street corner, wearing regular clothing, might just cost you a $136 ticket. Local law enforcement are now going undercover to catch drivers talking on their cell phones. The undercover officer is in plain clothes, and after spotting you talking on your phone while driving, will radio to the patrol car to pull you over and ticket you. Deputies say they can ticket up to 50 drivers an hour this way.

From 2014 to 2015 there was a 30% increase in deaths from distracted driving. That accounts for about 40 more people killed in that time. Deputies hope this emphasis patrol will cause people to change their driving behavior and save lives.

The sheriff’s office has produced a video showing how easy it is for them to find and ticket distracted drivers.